Former Australia batter Joe Burns who played a pivotal role in Italy's maiden T20 World Cup qualification, won't be travelling to India for the mega tournament. Burns has been sacked as Italy's captain over availability issues. The Italian Cricket Federation and Burns could not reach an agreement and a contract wasn’t signed.
41-year-old Wayne Madsen has been named Italy’s captain for T20 World Cup 2026.
"Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position, having represented already Italy in T20Is, and remains a central figure within the squad’s leadership group," Italy's governing body said in their statement.
"The Federation can also confirm that Joe Burns will not be selected as part of Italy’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
"Although preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed. At the same time, internal technical and organizational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain.
"This decision responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives. These considerations were made solely in the interest of the national team's preparation and serenity ahead of this historic event.”
Burns’ astonishing T20I record for Italy
Burns made his T20I debut for Italy in 2024. From just eight T20Is, he scored 271 runs at an average of 45.16 and strike rate of 138.97. He scored a century and one fifty during this period. He has the highest T20I average among all Italy batters. Also, he is Italy's only T20I centurion.
"The Federation wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket, both as a player and as captain," the statement further added.
Italy’s scheduled for T20 World Cup 2026
Italy have been placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, West Indies and England. Both West Indies and England are two-time T20 World Cup champions. Italy will make their T20 World Cup debut against Bangladesh in February 9 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Their second match is against Nepal at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Italy will return to Kolkata and face England and West Indies on February 16 and 19 respectively.
Italy are yet to submit their final T20 World Cup 2026 squad to the ICC.